Canine Assisted Therapy Program

Frances Plessner, who directs the Canine Assisted Therapy program at Ironwood, is a nationally known dog trainer and breeder. She is founder of “Puddleduck Retrievers,” a family-owned business that breed and trains Labrador Retrievers. Frances’ dogs have been a mainstay at Ironwood for many years. Teens develop intimate relationships with the animals and learn to work with them successfully under Frances’ expert tutelage. Resident teens participate in weekly dog training classes. Each student takes on a particular dog and works with that one throughout their training sessions.

During this time, teens learn tools to teach and reinforce basic to advanced obedience commands. Some dogs have various behavior issues. In learning to work with these animals, teens gain objective skills that are simultaneously helpful in the ordering of their own lives. They see how they can help a dog actually become a better dog, and in so doing, see how they’re a better person because of it. Teens feel a sense of accomplishment; they feel acknowledged; they feel listened to; they feel downright good. Teens find it rewarding when they work through their own frustration and a dog’s unwillingness to obey. Teens becomes empowered when they understand that their own patience, tone of voice, enthusiasm, and skill directly reflect in the attitude and behavior of the dogs. Because of their responsiveness and sensitivity, dogs, horses—all animals—make such emphatic companions and teachers.

Through Ironwood, Frances also provides a canine program that takes place off-campus on the premises of Puddleduck Retrievers for any Level Four teenager who wants to further their dog training abilities and learn the ins and outs of caring for dogs of all ages. This supplemental program provides the opportunity to work independently with added responsibility.

Read more about Frances Plessner and Ironwood's canine program.

Read more in our Animal Therapy Blog